Title: Waiting for Normal
Author: Leslie Connor
First published February 5, 2008
290 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060890889 (ISBN10: 0060890886)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Filled with heartfelt moments and touching emotions, Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor is a touching novel that will leave you feeling inspired. Addie’s life is anything but normal, thanks to her bipolar mother who has an all-or-nothing approach to everything.
Whether it’s food or life choices, her mother’s decisions always seem to be extreme. Unfortunately, this often leaves Addie neglected and alone.
Despite her circumstances, Addie refuses to give up hope that one day she will find a sense of normalcy and be reunited with her half-sisters and stepfather. A must-read for anyone looking for a powerful story of perseverance and hope.
About the Author
My life began in a sudden and unexpected way. I was born in an antique farmhouse outside of Cleveland, Ohio, and I arrived so quickly that there was no time to get to the hospital.
From that moment on, I’ve always been in a hurry.
When I was in fourth grade, my family and I moved to a neighborhood in Schenectady, New York, which was filled with children. My father worked for a company that sold high-quality printing papers, and he often brought home large, beautiful books that I loved to look at and smell the ink.
I was always fascinated by the photographs and illustrations.
As a child, I took dancing lessons and did gymnastics. I loved to do handstands and other acrobatic feats, even in strange places like the middle of the stairway.
My bedroom was always a mess, full of paint sets, paper scraps, embroidery threads, and sewing projects. I was good at some things in school, but not so good at others.
However, I found my passions and pursued them. I went to college at SUNY Cobleskill, where I earned an associate’s degree in agriculture, and later at the University of Connecticut, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art.
Initially, I was interested in children’s books from an illustrator’s point of view. However, writing soon caught my attention.
I discovered that my head and heart were full of stories, and I knew that I had to pay attention to them. My ideas come from everyday life, and I write for readers of all ages.
Now, I live in the woods of Connecticut with my husband and three children. We keep our bird feeders full, do a little gardening, and stack a lot of firewood.
I hike the trails near my home almost every morning, and then I settle in to work with a pot of tea and my loyal Writing Dogs by my side. Sometimes, I even borrow dogs from my neighbors.
You can never have too many dogs!
In my free time, I enjoy making artisan pizzas and pots of soup. Dark chocolate is my favorite treat, and I love to ride my bike down to the diner to meet my friends for breakfast and more tea.
Life is good!
Editoral Review
Leslie Connor’s “Waiting for Normal” is a moving and heart-wrenching young adult novel that explores themes of resilience, family, and self-discovery. First published in 2008, the book continues to resonate with readers of all ages because of its universal message of hope in the face of adversity.
The novel follows twelve-year-old Addie as she navigates the challenges of growing up with an absent mother and an unreliable father. Forced to make the best out of a difficult situation, Addie learns to become self-reliant and takes on adult responsibilities far beyond her years.
However, through all the challenges, Addie’s positive attitude and unwavering optimism shine through. One of the strengths of “Waiting for Normal” is Connor’s expert handling of character development.
Addie, the protagonist, is a fully-realized and complex character who feels both real and relatable. Connor creates a rich variety of multifaceted supporting characters, including Addie’s stepfather Dwight, who serves as a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak story.
Connor’s writing is elegant and evocative without being overly sentimental, effectively conveying Addie’s emotions and conveying the depth of her experiences. The pacing of the story is perfectly timed, keeping the reader invested in Addie’s journey from the first page to the last.
The themes of loyalty, friendship, and acceptance are seamlessly woven into the plot of the story, making it emotionally compelling and engaging. One limitation of the novel is that the plot may feel slow-paced to some readers who are used to more fast-paced young adult stories.
However, the novel’s deliberate pacing allows readers to fully immerse themselves in Addie’s world and understand the complex issues she is facing. Overall, “Waiting for Normal” is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that tackles mature themes with grace and sensitivity.
It is an essential read for fans of young adult literature who are looking for a realistic and uplifting story that will leave a lasting impact. The book would be a perfect gift for young readers who are struggling with difficult family situations or for anyone who wants to be inspired by Addie’s resilience and courage.
Washington Post gives this book a rating of 9 out of 10.
